Uga VII makes debut

ATHENS - Riding onto the field in a red golf cart, Uga VII made his grand appearance Saturday between the hedges to deafening cheers and innumerable loud woofs.

Click here to view photos from the game and here for football at Tubby's in Thunderbolt. Visit spotted.savannahnow.com for more.

Accompanied by the Frank W. "Sonny" Seiler family of Savannah, the latest mascot in Bulldog history - aka "Loran's Best" - entered Sanford Stadium with mass approval from Georgia fans.

Uga VII started off on the right paw with Georgia defeating Georgia Southern, 45-21.

"He's going to be a hoss just like his dad," Augusta's James Davidson said.

"The new Uga's great," Georgia senior safety C.J. Byrd said. "He did a great job out there. Hopefully, he's good for the rest of the season."

UGA VII will have a large task ahead of him. His father, Uga VI, compiled an 87-27 record with two Southeastern Conference championships. But expectations are greater for this mascot as Georgia seeks its first national championship since the 1980 season, when Uga III reigned supreme.

The line of pure white English bulldogs became Georgia's official mascot in 1956. Uga VII is the only one to begin its reign with the football team ranked No. 1 in the nation. Davidson's father, Hugh, believes that may be a good omen.

"Uga VII. Maybe that's our lucky number," the elder Davidson said.

Weighing 56½ pounds, Uga VII is the second-heaviest mascot in Georgia history. The bulldog rode onto the field and then made his way to midfield.

Uga VII's coronation became official when Georgia president Michael F. Adams slipped a new red leather spike collar over his head at midfield. Uga VII later retreated to his chilled doghouse on the visitors sideline.